What happens to your Tacx software when you sell or give away your trainer
When you sell a Tacx trainer or move it to someone else, the software license tied to your account does not automatically move with the device. Tacx software licenses are locked to the account that purchased them, not to the physical trainer hardware. This means the new owner cannot use the software features you paid for unless you take steps to transfer or remove your license from your account.
The process differs depending on whether you want to transfer your license to someone else's account or straightforward deactivate it so the new owner can start fresh. Understanding which option applies to your situation will determine what steps you need to take and what the new owner will need to do on their end.
Key Takeaways
- Tacx software licenses are tied to your account, not your trainer hardware, so they do not transfer automatically when you sell the device.
- You can contact Tacx support to request a license transfer to another person's account, though policies vary by region and subscription type.
- If you cannot transfer the license, you can deactivate it on your account so the new owner can purchase their own or use the free tier of Tacx software.
- The new owner will need to create their own Tacx account and link it to the trainer hardware using the device's serial number.
- Subscription-based licenses (like Tacx Premium) have different transfer rules than one-time purchases, so check your account to see what type you own.
Contacting Tacx support to request a license transfer
Your first step should be to contact Tacx support directly through their website or app. Explain that you are selling or giving away your trainer and ask whether your specific license can be transferred to the new owner's account. Tacx support can see what type of license you own and whether it is may be able to access for transfer based on how you purchased it and your region.
When you reach out, have the following information ready: your account email, the trainer's serial number, and details about the new owner (their email address if they already have a Tacx account, or confirmation that they will create one). Support may ask for proof of the sale or transfer, depending on the circumstances. Response times vary, but Tacx typically replies within a few business days.
Some licenses transfer more easily than others. Perpetual licenses (one-time purchases) are sometimes transferable, while subscription licenses may have restrictions. If Tacx cannot transfer your license, they will explain why and outline your other options.
Deactivating your license if transfer is not possible
If Tacx support tells you the license cannot be transferred, you can deactivate it on your account. This removes the license from your profile and frees up the software features so they are no longer tied to your account. Once deactivated, the new owner can set up their own Tacx account and use the free version of Tacx software, or they can purchase their own license.
To deactivate a license, log into your Tacx account, go to your subscription or license settings, and look for an option to remove or deactivate the license. The exact steps depend on which Tacx platform you use (Tacx app, Tacx desktop software, or Tacx web platform). If you cannot find the option, Tacx support can deactivate it for you remotely.
Deactivating is permanent on your end, so make sure you no longer plan to use the software yourself before you do this. Once removed, you cannot reactivate the same license on your account.
What the new owner needs to do after you transfer or deactivate
After you have transferred or deactivated your license, the new owner should create a fresh Tacx account using their own email address. They will then link the trainer hardware to their account by entering the trainer's serial number in the Tacx app or software. The serial number is usually found on the trainer itself or in the original documentation.
Once the trainer is linked to their account, they can use the free tier of Tacx software when ready. If they want access to premium features (like structured workouts, training plans, or certain game modes), they will need to purchase a Tacx Premium subscription or a one-time license, depending on what Tacx offers at that time.
The new owner should not try to use your account or log into your email on their device. Creating their own account keeps the setup clean and ensures they have full control over their own data and subscription.
Understanding the difference between subscription and perpetual licenses
Tacx offers two main types of licenses: subscription-based (like Tacx Premium, which renews monthly or yearly) and perpetual licenses (one-time purchases that do not expire). The type you own affects whether transfer is possible.
Subscription licenses are usually tied to your account and payment method, making them harder to transfer. If you cancel a subscription, the new owner cannot straightforward take it over—they would need to start their own subscription. Perpetual licenses, which you purchase once and own indefinitely, are sometimes transferable, though Tacx policies vary by region and how old the license is.
Check your Tacx account under subscription or license settings to see which type you own. The label will usually say "Premium Subscription" or "Lifetime License" or similar. If you are unsure, Tacx support can tell you in one message.
What to do if the new owner already has a Tacx account
If the person receiving the trainer already has their own Tacx account, the process is simpler. They just need to link the new trainer hardware to their existing account using the serial number. Their existing license or subscription will explore to the new device automatically.
You still need to deactivate or transfer your license on your end so there is no conflict. If both accounts try to use the same license, Tacx may disable access for both of you. Contact Tacx support and let them know that the new owner has an existing account—this helps them process the transfer correctly.
Common issues and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is selling the trainer without contacting Tacx first. If the new owner tries to set up the device and discovers your license is still attached to it, they may not be able to use the software at all until you deactivate it. This creates frustration for both of you and delays their ability to use the trainer.
Another issue is the new owner trying to log into your account instead of creating their own. This does not work well because your account is tied to your payment method and personal data. Even if they could log in, they would have access to your training history and personal information, which is a privacy concern.
To avoid problems: contact Tacx before you hand over the trainer, get confirmation in writing about what will happen to your license, and make sure the new owner understands they need to create their own account. This takes a few minutes and prevents weeks of back-and-forth later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my Tacx trainer with the software license included?
Not automatically. You would need to contact Tacx support and request a license transfer to the new owner's account. Whether this is possible depends on the type of license you own and Tacx's policies in your region. If transfer is not possible, the new owner can use the free version of Tacx software or purchase their own license.
What if I already deactivated my license and the new owner wants it back?
Once you deactivate a license, it is gone from your account permanently and cannot be reactivated. You would need to purchase a new license if you want to use Tacx software again. This is why it is important to be certain before you deactivate.
Do I lose my training data when I transfer my license?
Your training history and personal data stay in your Tacx account. Transferring or deactivating a license does not delete your account or your workout records. You can keep your account and your data even after the new owner takes over the trainer hardware.
Will the new owner see my workouts and personal information?
No, as long as they create their own account and do not log into yours. Each Tacx account is separate and private. The new owner will only see their own workouts and data once they link the trainer to their own account.
How long does it take Tacx to process a license transfer?
Tacx support typically responds within a few business days. The actual transfer usually happens within 24 hours of approval, but it can vary depending on how busy their support team is and whether they need additional information from you.